Writing implement



Jall- 15, 1963 P. MARTIN ETAL 3,073,286

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.www mm Mm United States Patent Otiice 3,073,286 Patented Jan. 15, 1963 3,073,286 WRTING IMPLEMEN` Lynn P. Martin, Elmer D. Thompson, Roland L. Brannon, and Lee W. Ross, Fort Madison, Iowa, assignors to W. A. Sheader Pen Company, Fort Madison, iowa, a corporation of Delaware riginal application Sept. 11, 1956, Ser. No. 609,281, now Patent No. 2,949,887, dated Aug. 23, i960. Divided and this application st. 27, 1959, Ser. No. 849,026 7 Claims. (Cl. 1Z0-42.03)

This invention relates to writing implements and more particularly to writing implements of the fountain pen type. This application is a division of our copending application Serial No. 609,281, filed September 11, 1956, now Patent No. 2,949,887, granted August 23, 1960.

In the construction of the usual type fountain pen employing a liquid writing uid it has usually been necessary to provide such implements with a cap if th-e implements are to be carried in the pocket or handbag of the user. r[he caps have been considered necessary in order to prevent accidental spilling of the Writing fluid with attendant soiling of the clothes of the person carrying the implement. Furthermore, fountain pens are generally constructed so that the caps are provided with pocket clips so that when the implement is carried it will be in the point up position. Under certain circumstances this has not been wholly satisfactory since after long periods in the point up position, the writing fluid may dry or drain away from the writing tip so that the `implement will not immediately write when applied to the writing surface. IFurthermore, the caps that have been used in the past offer the further disadvantage that they may become separated from the implement and lost, whereafter it is practically impossible for the implement to be carried by the user without soiling the clothes.

It has been proposed, in connection with the so-called ball point pen writing implements, to provide a device in which the point of the implement can be retracted into the main body portion thereof whereby the implement may readily be carried by the user without concern over the soiling of clothes. However, such structures have not been feasible in connection with fountain pens employing liquid writing fluid, since the liquid lluid in most types of constructions tends to leak from the point upon changes in temperature or barometric conditions.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a fountain pen in which it is not necessary to employ the usual type of cap for concealing the writing point when the implement is not in use.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a fountain pen which may be carried by the user in a point down position in order that the writing point will always be ready for immediate transfer of duid upon use.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a capless fountain pen which may be readily carried in the pocket or in a handbag without danger of'prematurely discharging writing fluid from the implement.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a novel construction which may be readily adaptable to many types of implements that have been previously sold commercially.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of an improved capless fountain pen construction which may be charged with writing liuid without the deposition of uid on the gripping section and without danger of soiling lingers or garments.

An additional object of this invention is the provision of an improved capless fountain pen having means for selectively moving a writing tip between an extended writing position and a concealed position.

Further and additional objects Wil appear from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

'in one form of this invention an improved fountain pen is provided having a capillary reservoir disposed within a barrel assembly with a writing element and a filling tube disposed forwardly of the reservoir and extensible through anopen forward end of the barrel assembly. More particularly, a capless fountain pen is provided in which a writing element is shiftable relative to and through the open forward end of a barrel assembly wherein the open end is normally sealed by a yieldable element anda filling tube is coaxially mounted with the writing element and shiftable between positions forwardly and rearwardly of the writing element. The writing element and filling tube are spaced apart to define a capillary space therebetween extending longitudinally from the capillary reservoir to the writing tip. Means is also provid-ed for forcefully filling the capillary reservoir with writing fluid by the successive actuation ofl a telescoping pneumatic assembly.

As indicated above, this invention is readily applicable to a number of different types of constructions that have been 'suggested in the prior art. For example, this invention is readily adaptable to a device having an extensible filling tube such as is disclosed in Lynn P. Martin Patent No. 2,769,427, dated November 6, 1956, and, more particularly, to an implement having a pneumatically collapsible sac of the character disclosed in Martin U.S. Patent No. 2,610,612, dated September 16, 1952. However, the invention has particular applicability in those writing implements that are provided With a socalled capillary mass type reservoir and such an implement is disclosed in the Craig R. Sheaifer Patent No. 2,874,699, dated March 12, 1957. As is known, capillary reservoirs' are freely Vented to the atmosphere at their rearward ends and it is not necessary to provide expansion chambers because of the fact that writing fluid is not expelled therefrom due to barometric or temperature changes. Thus the capillary type reservoirs are essentially free from leakage under ordinary conditions of use and are, therefore, particularly suitable for use in connection with the provision of a capless type fountain pen of the character contemplated by this invention. For a more complete understanding of this invention, Areference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the forward end of a fountain pen incorporating the novel features of theinvention with the various parts illustrated in their closed or normal positions;

FiG. 1A is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the rearward portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FlG. 2 is a transverse sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken on the line 2 2 of FIG. 1;

lG. `3 is a perspective view of the latching element forming a part of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional View of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 1A taken onthe line 4 4 of FIG. 1A; Y

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view of the embodiment of F 1G. l taken on the line 5 5 thereof;

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view of the embodiment of FlG. 1 taken on the line 6 6 thereof;

FIG. 7 illustrates in enlarged longitudinal section the forward portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the writing element partially shifted to the writing position;

FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 in enlarged longitudinal section with the writing element in an overextended position;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial longitudinal sectional View of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the writing element in the writing position;

FIG. l is an enlarged partial longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrating the operating mechanism for extending and retracting the writing tip;

FiG. 11 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the forward portion of the embodiment of FIG. l with the filling tube extended;

FiG. 11A is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the rearward portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the writin g tube in the extended position; and

FIG. l2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the rearward portion of the embodiment of FiG. 1 with the force filling mechanism actuated.

Referring now to `the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and lA, a fountain pen 20 is illustrated having a main barrel portion 22 with a capillary reservoir unit 24 disposed therein. A sleeve 26 is slidably mounted on the main barrel portion 22 to selectively expose or conceal a writing element 23 which extends forwardly from and is integral with the reservoir unit 24. At the forward end of writing element 2S a writing tip 3G having the conventional longitudinal slit therein is employed. A filling tube 32 is coaxially mounted within the writing element 2S and adapted for longitudinally movement for purposes and in a manner to be explained in greater detail hereinafter. The outer diameter of filling tube 32 and thel inner .diameter of writing element 28 are so selected that a space 34 exists between the two elements which is of capillary dimensions and continuous over the entire length of the filling tube and writing element. Thus, a capillary writing fiuid path is provided between the rearward end of the writing element 28 andthe writing tip 30.

The fiuid reservoir is defined by the barrel portion 22, a rearwardly disposed annular plug 36 having apertures 38 therein and a forwardly disposed plug 4J which is threaded into the forward end of the body 22. The space thus defined is filled with a capillary mass 42. Any one of many well known capillary masses may be employed. For example, the space may be filled with woven gauze, a helically wound film having spaces between adjacent layers, or a plurality of small spheres having capillary dimensions therebetween, as is described in the Craig R. Sheaffer application set out above.

The writing element 28 has a rearwardly disposed flange 44 which is secured in the plug 40 by a collar 46 in threaded engagement therewith. As is clearly illustrated in FIG. 6, lthe plug 4t) slidably supports the inner filling tube 32, and at the point where the filling tube passes through the plug 4t) the filling tube is formed with a plurality of recesses or splines 48 which will insure the passage of writing fluid from the reservoir 24 to the writing tip 3f).

The sleeve 26 encloses the writing tip 30 when the fountain pen is not in use, as illustrated in FiG. l. The forward open end S0 of the sleeve 26 is normally closed by a flexible seal 52 rThe seal S2 has a plurality of radial slits extending outwardly from the center thereof whereby the seal may be deformed to pass the writing element 23 and filling tube 32 therethrough.. The sleeve 26 comprises an elongated barrel portion which is formed of two parts, a gripping section 54 which is threaded into a barrel section 56. The juncture of the gripping section 54 and barrel section 56 is ornamented by a metallic ring 58. The barrel section 56 is slidably mounted on the main barrel portion 22, and a shell 60 is mounted on the main barrel portion 22, said shell being formed of metal or other suitable material. The main barrel portion 22 has a reduced outer diameter at its forward end whereby an annular recess 62 is defined which receives the rearward portion of the barrel section 56 of sleeve 26. Thus, the sleeve 26 may be axially shifted on the main barrel portion 22 to expose the writing tip 3G in a manner which will be described hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the first step in the actuation of `the mechanism is illustrated. When the writer wishes to expose the writing tip 30 for use he presses the main barrel portion 22 and sleeve 26 together in a familiar manner, compressing coil spring 83. In axially shifting the sleeve 26, a cylindrical element 64 having a tapered forward end 65 engages the inner surface of resilient seal 52, spreading the furcated portion 68 thereof to permit passage of the writing element therethrough. The cylindrical element 64 is normally urged forwardly slidably on writing element 2t; by a coil spring '74 which is compressed between a collar 70 formed on cylindrical element 64 and a stop 6. The forward position of cylindrical element 64 relative to writing element 2S is established by the tapered ring fixed on the forward end of writing element 28. The collar 70 formed on cylinder 64 will abut against a shoulder 72 formed in the gripping section 54 to limit for 'ward movement of `the cylindrical element with writing element 26 relative to sleeve 26. Spring stop 76 is secured in collar 46 which is, in turn, carried by plug 40 forming a part of the main body portion 22.

The second step in the actuation of the writing element to a writing position is illustrated in FIG. 8. Further relative axial movement of the main body portion 22 and the sleeve 26 further compresses spring 88 and causes the writing element 3f) to protrude beyond the open forward end of gripping section 54 through seal 52 which has been spread as described above. Coil spring 74 is compressed by this further motion and the sleeve 26 is moved to a point where resilient detents 78 formed in latching sleeve 84 pass into an annular recess 80 formed in an annular insert S2 which forms a part of and moves with sleeve 26. The latching element S4 is formed of spring steel or similar material and is clearly shown in perspective in FIG. 3. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the cylindrical latching element S4 has a plurality of longitudinal slits formed therein to define detents 73 and additional portions are formed outwardly to provide resilient faces 86 which will maintain the latching element 84 in desired positions within the sleeve 26 by selective engagement with the insert S2 or the forward edge 49 of collar 46.

in axially shifting the sleeve 26 rearward during the first step described above, motion of the latching element 554 is initially frictionally prevented by the interference of ring 93 and resilient faces 86 of latching element 84 until the rear edge of the cylindrical latching element $4 abuts the forward edge 47 of the large portion of the collar 46, imparting a forward motion to the latching element 84.

Further forward motion of sleeve 26 and the cylindrical latching element 84 causes the resilient faces 86 of the latching element S4 to be depressed inwardly by the ring $3, exerting pressure upon the small diameter section 4S of the collar 46.

As shown in FG. 8, rearward movement of sleeve 26 effects engagement of detents 7S in recess 80. Upon manual release of sleeve 26, coil spring 88 urges sleeve 26 forwardly, causing detents 78 to engage the rearward edge of recess 8i). Thus, further forward movement of sleeve 26 carries latching element S4 forward to a point where the forward edge 90 thereof abuts stop 76 which, as already described, is fixed in plug 40, and the rearward edges 87 of the resilient faces 86 of latching element 84 move to a position forward of the small diameter 4S of the collar 46 and also move inwardly contacting the small diameter cylindrical portion 77 of the stop 76. Thus, the sleeve is restrained against further forward movement under the infinence of the spring S8, and the writing tip 30 remains exposed for use. The writing element is illustrated in the writing position in FiG. 9 with the detents 78 in engagement with the rearward edge of recess 8f] and the forward edge 9i) of latching element 84 abutting the stop 76. The springs 74 and 53 are thus maintained under compression while the writing element 28 is in the writing position. As shown in FIG. l0, when conditioned for writing, or when in the overextended position. the rearward edges 87 of the resilient faces 86 of the latching element 84 contactr the forward edge 49 of the small diameter portion 45 of the collar 46. v

When it is desired lto retract the writing tip to the sealed position, the sleeve is once again manually actuated to produce the overextension of the writing element illustrated in FIG. 8 and the overextension of the latching element 34 illust-rated in FIG. 10. A slidable Sleeve 92 is disposed within insert 82 mounted on sleeve 26 and movable between predetermined limits. The limits are determined bythe rearward flange 91 of insert 82 and a ring 93 which is forced within the forward end of insert 82. Overextension of writing element 2S forces detents 7S inwardly as they slide forwardly onto sleeve 92 and thus sleeve 92 rides rearwardly with the detents 78 of latching element 8d Ito a point where the'sleeve 92 abuts rearward flange 91. As the forward edge 99 of sleeve 84 remains in abutment with stop 76, further forward movement of sleeve 26 produces relative rearward movement of the latchinff sleeve 84 whereby detents 7S slide onto ange 91. Thus, release of the sleeve 2o will return the parts to the positions illustrated in FIG. l. Subsequent manual ac- 6 spring 95 and plug 94. Sac 124 is of a generally cylindrical shape sealed at its rearward end in plug 100 and at its forward end in plug 94. Thus, as the tube 108 moves rearwardly and the sac 124 is partially collapsed, air is drawn into the space 126 created thereby and this air is drawn upwardly through the filling tube 32 through a transverse aperture 128 formed in the filling tube and through a plurality of vent apertures 38 formed in thek rearward plug 36. Thus, fluid is drawn upwardly through tube 32 and into the capillary mass42 where it remains 'in capillary suspension. The iluid Will move forwardly in the capillary mass 42 upon successive depressions of cap 119 whereby the capillary mass may be completely charged with fluid by a plurality of actuatuation of the sleeve and barrel portion will again position .the writing element for use in the manner already described.

To facilitate filling the capillary reservoir 24, the iilling tube 32 is extensible relative to the writing element 2S. The extension of filling tube 32 is accomplished by the mechanism disposed in the main barrel portion 22 rearwardly of the reservoir 24. A shaped plug 94 is inserted in the rearward end of filling -tube 32 and a coil spring 96 normally urges the plug 94S and consequently the filling tube 32 forwardly relative to the main body portion 22, reservoir 24, and writing element 28 lixed the-reto. The coil spring 96is compressed between a collar 93 formed on plug 94 Vand an apertured annular ring 10i) secured against a shoulder 101 formed in the main body portion 22. An operating pin 102 is slidably mounted in a central aperture in ring 19t) and is secured to plug 94. Pin 192 has an enlarged `threaded portion 194 which is in engagement with a correspondingly threaded insert 106 secured in a telescoping tube Hi8. Tube 108 has a decorative cap 119 secured to the rearward end thereof by machine screw i12 whereby the tube 108 and cap 11i) may be manually rotated and actuated together.

As illustrated best in FIG. 4,'the plug 10i) is provided with a plurality of vent holes 114. The central aperture in plug 199 is generally square and the pin 102 has a corresponding cross section. The plug 100 is lixed in the main barrel portion 22 and thus the pin 102, plug 94, and filling tube 32 are restrained against rotation relative to the main body. Rotation of cap 11i) thus produces relative axial movement of the cap and the pin 102 because of 4the threaded engagement of the parts, and this axial movement produces a forward extension ofthe filling tube .92 under the intlu ence of spring 96.

FiGS. ll and 11A illustrate the preferred embodiment of this invention with the filling tube 32 in the extended position.v inthe fully extended position, as can be seen in PEG. 11A, the enlarged threaded portion 10ft of pin 102 engages plug 19t), limiting forward motion of the filling tube 32 under the influence of spring 96. Further rotary motion of cap 119 will provide rearward movement of the cap and tube 193 whereby the tube is freed from threaded engagement with pin 102. When so freed, the cap and tube are immediately urged rearwardly by compressed coil spring 116 to a position where further rearward movement is prevented by engagement of a flanged portion 118 of tube 198 against a shoulder 120 formed in the main barrel portion 22.

A circular sealing ring 122 is disposed in a recess in the main barrel portion 22 and engages tube 108 to provde a pneumatic seal. Thus, as the tube 108 moves rearwardly to the position shown in FIG. l2, the expansion of the chamber defined thereby causes partial collapse of a resilient flexible sac 124 which surrounds tions of the cap.

The pen is then reconditioned for writing by reversing the steps described above. The cap 110 is forced inwardly toward the main body portion 22 and threaded into engagement with pin 192. Rotation of cap 119 draws filling tube 32 rearwardly to the position illustrated in FiG. 9 and the pen is in condition for writing. Then, as already described, the writing element may be shifted between the concealed and the writing position by selective operation of the barrel and sleeve mechanism.

A pocket clip 139 of a conventional type is provided and'is secured in the metal shell 69 in a conventional manner.

Various changes and modifications of the basic structure described herein will immediately appear to one skilled in this art.

While the capless concept employing a deformable sealing member may be' employed with other fountain pens which may not use an extensible filling tube or a capillary type of reservoir, the advantages of the combination of these elements is believed manifest and clearly set out in the introductory portions of this specification. Also, the concept of two concentric cylinders, one of which comprises a writing element to provide improved iiuid feeding, and the other -a filling tube, may be employed with other forms of reservoir types and filling mechanisms.

The various means described above are clearly exemplary and only one particular embodiment of the invention. Other nib means, reservoir means, mechanical means for extending and retracting the writing point, mechanical means for extending and retracting the filling tube, pressure means for lling the reservoir, and the like, may be provided Without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, while the general discussion above refers to a rearwardly vented reservoir, it will be apparent that this language is properly construed to include any longitudinal reservoir means vented at a point opposite the Writing tip whereby writing iuid may be discharged to the tip, irrespective of the possible tortuous shape of the reservoir or any connecting tubes or passages. y

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully explain the character of our invention that others may, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under varying conditions of service, while retaining certain features which may properly be said to constitute the essential items of novelty involved, Which items are intended to be defined and secured tous by the following claims.

We claim:

l. A fountain pen comprising an elongate barrel portion having an open forward end and including a barrel sleeve and an end cap, a liuid reservoir within said barrel portion, a fluid tube extending from the forward end of said reservoir and in Huid communication therewith, said fluid tube being substantially in axial alignment with said barrel portion and said open forward end and adapted for charging said reservoir with writing fluid, a writing element substantially surrounding said fluid tube and including a writing tip in liuid communication with said reservoir, means connecting said barrel sleeve and said end cap for relative axial movement, said relative axial movement producing axial movement of said fluid tube relative to said open forward end between a first retracted position wherein the forward end of the fluid tube is within the barrel portion and substantially rearwardly of said open forward end and a second position wherein said forward end of the fluid tube is forwardly of and immediately adjacent to said open forward end, and threaded means interconnecting said barrel sleeve and said end cap responsive to rela tive rotation between said body sleeve and said end cap for producingy axial movement of said fluid tube between said second position and a third filling position wherein the forward end of said fluid tube is substantially forward of said open forward end and substantially forward of said second position.

2. A fountain pen comprising an elongate barrel portion having an open forward end and including a body sleeve and an end cap, a fluid reservoir within said barrel portion, a fluid tube extending from the forward end of said reservoir and in fluid communication therewith, said fluid tube being substantially in axial alignment with said barrel portion and said open forward end, a writing element substantially surrounding said fluid tube and including a writing tip in fluid communication with said reservoir, means responsive to relative axial movement between said body sleeve and said end cap for producing axial movement of said fluid tube relative to said open forward end between a first, retracted position wherein the forward end of the fluid tube is within the barrel portion and a second position wherein said forward end of the fluid tube is forwardly of and adjacent to said open forward end and rearwardly of said Writing tip, and means responsive to relative rotation between said body sleeve and said end cap for producing axial movement of said fluid tube between said second position and a third, filling position wherein the forward end of said fluid tube is substantially forward of said open forward end and substantially forward of said second position.

3. A fountain pen comprising an elongate barrel portion havingT an open forward end, a cartridge unit within said barrel portion including a fluid reservoir and a fluid tube extending from the forward end of said reservoir land in fluid communication therewith, said fluid tube being in axial alignment with said barrel portion and said open forward end, said fluid tube being mounted for axial movement relative to said barrel portion through said open forward end of said barrel portion between a first, retracted position wherein the forward end of the lluid tube is within said barrel portion, a second position wherein said forward end of the fluid tube is forwardly of and adjacent to said open forward end of the barrel portion, and a third, filling position wherein the forward end of said fluid tube is substantially forwardly of said open forward end of said barrel portion and substantially forwardly of said second position, a writing element substantially surrounding said fluid tube and including a writing tip, said writing tip being forwardly of said fluid tube in said first and second positions and moving with said fluid tube and relative to said barrel portion between said first and said second position, and means within said barrel portion restraining said writing element in said second position when said fluid tube is moved to said third filling position forwardly of said writing tip and urging said writing element and said filling tube apart.

4. A fountain pen comprising an elongate barrel portion having an open forward end, an integral cartridge unit within said barrel portion including a capillary type reservoir having an opening at the rearward end thereof and a fluid tube extending from the forward end of said reservoir and in fluid communication therewith, said uid tube being in axial alignment with said barrel portion and said open forward end, said fluid tube being mounted for axial movement relative to said barrel portion through said open forward end of said barrel portion -between a first, retracted position wherein the forward end of the fluid tube is Within said barrel portion, a second position wherein said forward end of the fluid tube is forwardly of and adjacent to said open forward end of the barrel portion, and a third, filling position wherein the forward end of said fluid tube is substantially forwardly of said open forward end of said barrel portion and substantially forwardly of said second position, a writing element substantially surrounding said fluid tube and including a writing tip, said writing tip being forwardly of said fluid tube and moving with said fluid tube and relative to said barrel portion between said first and said second position, and means within said barrel portion restraining said writing element in said second position when said fluid tube is moved to said third filling position forwardly of said writing tip and urging said writing element and said filling tube apart.

5. A fountain pen comprising an elongate barrel portion having an open forward end, a cartridge unit within said barrel portion including a fluid reservoir and a fluid tube extending from the forward end of said reservoir and in fluid communication therewith, said fluid tube being in axial alignment with said barrel portion and said open forward end, said fluid tube being mounted for axial movement relative to said barrel portion through said open forward end of said barrel portion between a first, retracted position wherein the forward end of the fluid tube is within said barrel portion, a second position wherein said forward end of the fluid tube is forwardly of and adjacent to said open forward end of the barrel portion, and a third, filling position wherein the forward end of said fluid tube is substantially forwardly of said open forward end of said barrel portion and substantially forwardly of said second position, a writing element substantially surrounding said lluid tube and including a writing tip, said barrel portion including a sleeve surrounding said lluid tube, said writing element and a portion of said reservoir, and a cap means rearwardly mounted on said barrel portion for rotation and axial reciprocation and operatively connected to said cartridge unit, said fluid tube being shiftable relative to said sleeve between said first and second positions by axial reciprocation of said cap relative to said sleeve, means for reciprocating said fluid tube between said second and third positions, said means comprising means restraining said tube against rotation and means threadedly connecting said tube and said cap means whereby rotation of said cap means produces axial movement of said fluid tube, said writing tip moving with said fluid tube and relative to said barrel portion between said first and second position, and means within said barrel portion restraining said writing element in said second position `when said fluid tube is moved to said third filling position forwardly of said writing tip.

6. A fountain pen comprising an elongate barrel portion having an open forward end, a cartridge unit within said barrel portion including a reservoir and a fluid tube extending from the forward end of said reservoir and in fluid communication therewith, said fluid tube being in axial alignment with said barrel portion and said open forward end, said fluid tube being mounted for axial movement relative to said barrel portion through said open forward end of said barrel portion between a first, retracted position wherein the forward end of the fluid tube is within said barrel portion, a second position wherein said forward end of the fluid tube is forwardly of and `adjacent to said open forward end of the barrel portieri. and a third filling position wherein the forward end of said fluid tube is substantially forwardly of said open forward end of said barrel portion and substantially forwardly of said second position, a writing element substantially surrounding said fluid tube and including a writing tip disposed forwardly of the forward end of said fluid tube, said barrel portion including a sleeve surrounding said luid tube, said writing element and a portion of said reservoir, and a cap means rearwardly mounted on said barrel portion for rotation and axial reciprocation and operatively connected to said cartridge unit, said uid tube being shiftable relative to said sleeve between said rst and second positions by axial reciprocation of said cap relative to said sleeve, resilient means urging said unit and fluid tube to the first retracted position, latch means to selectively maintain said fluid tube in the second position, means for reciprocating said iluid tube between said second and third positions, said means comprising means restraining said tube against rotation and means threadedly connecting said ltube and said cap means whereby rotation of said cap means produces axial movement of said fluid tube, said writing tip moving with said iluid tube and relative to said barrel portion between said lirst and second position, and means within said barrel portion restraining said writing element in said second position when said fluid tube is moved to said third lill-ingA position.

7. A fountain pen comprising a barrel section, a cartridge unit disposed within said barrel section, said cartridge unit including a uid reservoir having means therein defining communicating capillary spaces and rearwardly disposed vent means, a forwardly extending filling tube of noncapillary dimensions and having external dimensions substantially less than the outside diameter of said barrel assembly in fluid communication with said reservoir through said vent means, said vent means providing fluid communication between said reservoir and said lilling tube, and a generally cylindrical writing element having a writing tip coaxial with and surrounding said lling tube, body sleeve means mounted on said barrel portion to comprise a barrel assembly having an open forward end, said writing element and iilling tube being axially shiftable together relative to and through said open forward end between an extended position beyond said barrel assembly and a concealed position within said barrel assembly, said iilling tube being longitudinally shiftable relative to said writing tip between a forward lling position and a rearward position within said writing element, and means mounted in said barrel for partially evacuating said reservoir, said means dening a chamber rearwardly disposed in said barrel assembly and in communication with said vent means, said chamber having means delining a passage to the atmosphere, a liexible member dividing said chamber into a first space in communication with saidV vent means and a second space in communication with said passage, telescoping pneumatic cylinder means for 'closing said passage and partially evacuating said second space, spring means normally urging said telescoping cylinder means to the extended position, and manual control means to selectively lock said telescoping cylinder means in the collapsed position.

References Cited in the lile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,743,786 Markstein Jan. 14, 1930 2,291,859 Andrews Aug. 4, 1942 2,413,234 Johnson Dec. 24, 1946 2,769,427 Martin Nov. 6, 1956 2,784,699 Sheaffer Mar. 12, 1957 2,799,247 Martin July 6, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 21,631 Great Britain of 1908 118,130 Great Britain Aug. 22, 1918 

2. A FOUNTAIN PEN COMPRISING AN ELONGATE BARREL PORTION HAVING AN OPEN FORWARD END AND INCLUDING A BODY SLEEVE AND AN END CAP, A FLUID RESERVOIR WITHIN SAID BARREL PORTION, A FLUID TUBE EXTENDING FROM THE FORWARD END OF SAID RESERVOIR AND IN FLUID COMMUNICATION THEREWITH, SAID FLUID TUBE BEING SUBSTANTIALLY IN AXIAL ALIGNMENT WITH SAID BARREL PORTION AND SAID OPEN FORWARD END, A WRITING ELEMENT SUBSTANTIALLY SURROUNDING SAID FLUID TUBE AND INCLUDING A WRITING TIP IN FLUID COMMUNICATION WITH SAID RESERVOIR, MEANS RESPONSIVE TO RELATIVE AXIAL MOVEMENT BETWEEN SAID BODY SLEEVE AND SAID END CAP FOR PRODUCING AXIAL MOVEMENT OF SAID FLUID TUBE RELATIVE TO SAID OPEN FORWARD END BETWEEN A FIRST, RETRACTED POSITION WHEREIN THE FORWARD END OF THE FLUID TUBE IS WITHIN THE BARREL PORTION AND A SECOND POSITION WHEREIN SAID FORWARD END OF THE FLUID TUBE IS FORWARDLY OF AND ADJACENT TO SAID OPEN FORWARD END AND REARWARDLY OF SAID WRITING TIP, AND MEANS RESPONSIVE TO RELATIVE ROTATION BETWEEN SAID BODY SLEEVE AND SAID END CAP FOR PRODUCING AXIAL MOVEMENT OF SAID FLUID TUBE BETWEEN SAID SECOND POSITION AND A THIRD, FILLING POSITION WHEREIN THE FORWARD END OF SAID FLUID TUBE IS SUBSTANTIALLY FORWARD OF SAID OPEN FORWARD END AND SUBSTANTIALLY FORWARD OF SAID SECOND POSITION. 